About this tour
When Mia from our team chartered the Orion for a day on the Andaman Sea, we got a proper taste of private-boat luxury in Phuket. This three-engine speedboat is built for comfort and pace — roomy decks, solid amenities, and a skipper who'll shape the day around what you fancy. Eight hours gives you time to hit secluded islands, snorkel over reefs, and lounge on pristine beaches without the crowded tour-boat chaos. It's pricey, but if you're after a tailored coastal experience away from the usual circuit, this delivers.
Highlights
- Three engines mean quick runs between islands; no dawdling between stops.
- Private transfer included — picked up from your hotel, straight to the boat.
- Banana Beach setup: chair, snorkel gear, and beach time baked into the price.
- Small crew focused on your group alone; no strangers, no rush.
- Spacious decks let you spread out, nap, or watch the Andaman roll past.
- Snorkel float provided; underwater life around the islands is genuinely good.
- Itinerary shaped to your mood — seek adventure or just drift.
What to expect
The day starts with a hotel pickup and a smooth ride to the marina. Once aboard, the Orion feels roomy — decks are genuinely spacious, and the crew brief you on the day's plan while you settle in. Mia's experience saw the boat head out into calm-enough waters, stopping at a couple of quieter islands where snorkelling was the main event. The float keeps you afloat easily, and visibility was decent. We anchored at Banana Beach mid-morning, where a chair was set up and a light spread appeared — nothing fancy, just solid and hassle-free.
Pacing is relaxed but purposeful. The three engines mean you're not idling between spots, yet there's plenty of downtime to soak in the views. The crew stayed attentive without hovering. By late afternoon, you're back on the water heading home, usually arriving back at your hotel by late afternoon. It's not adrenaline-soaked, but it is a genuinely private slice of the Andaman without the typical tour-group soundtrack.
What travellers say
- Small-group privacy — crew attentive, itinerary bends to your preferences.
- Three-engine speed keeps travel time short between islands.
- Hotel pickup and private transfer baked into the cost.
- Eight-hour window allows real downtime, not just photo-stop tourism.
- Solid snorkelling gear included; reefs are alive and worth the float.
- Not suitable for spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.
- Pricey; worth it for privacy and control, not for budget-conscious crowds.
- Weather-dependent — rough seas can make the ride uncomfortable.
- Food is pre-set and basic; dietary tweaks require early notice.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you're tired of packed speedboats and scripted stops, this is a proper antidote. The small-group feel (or just you and yours) means the crew remembers your name and preferences. Travel insurance and private transfer are included, so admin is light. Snorkelling is decent but not world-class — still worth doing. The boat itself is clean and well-maintained, and eight hours gives you real breathing room, not a rushed hit-and-run.
This isn't for everyone. Spinal injuries, pregnancy, and serious heart conditions aren't compatible with speedboat motion. Even on calm days, the ride has a rhythm to it. Weather matters — rough seas could mean a choppy morning. Food is basic and pre-set, not tailored to dietary needs, so confirm ahead if you have specifics. Tips aren't included, so budget extra. It's dear — worth it if you value solitude and control, less so if you're just after a cheap snorkel trip.
Reef-safe sunscreen (proper reef-safe), a rash vest or light cover-up, dry bag for valuables, and seasickness tablets if you're prone. Include a light layer — wind on the water cools you down fast. Group size is flexible; typically family or small groups of friends work best. Peak season (November–April) books early, so reserve ahead.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.